The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that it is closely monitoring a rise in COVID-19 cases in parts of Southeast Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. While the department did not disclose specific areas affected, it assured the public that there is no cause for alarm.
“The Department of Health is actively monitoring COVID-19 trends including the recently reported increases in specific areas of Southeast Asia. We are actively coordinating through established mechanisms like the ASEAN,” the DOH said in an official statement.
Despite the reported rise in cases abroad, the Philippines has seen a significant decline in its own COVID-19 statistics. The DOH reported an 87% drop in both cases and fatalities this year, with only 1,774 infections recorded so far compared to 14,074 last year. The case fatality rate is currently at 1.13%.
“Recent trends also indicate a slight decrease in reported cases over the past three to four weeks,” the DOH added, noting that weekly cases dropped from 71 in late March to just 65 in mid-April.
While the situation remains stable, the DOH reminded the public to continue practicing preventive measures commonly used against other illnesses. This includes wearing face masks in healthcare facilities, staying home when sick, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, frequent handwashing, and seeking early consultation for symptoms.
Globally, COVID-19 has impacted over 777 million people, leading to more than seven million deaths since it first emerged in December 2019. While the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the emergency phase of the pandemic over in May 2023, the virus has since shifted to a more endemic pattern, with occasional spikes similar to the seasonal flu.
